When building new enclosures and facilities, Rotterdam Zoo places strong emphasis on sustainability. This involves not only the use of sustainable materials, but also ensuring that buildings as a whole are designed and constructed in a sustainable way. The giraffe enclosure is a strong example of this approach.
Rotterdam Zoo and FSC Netherlands, the Forest Stewardship Council, signed an FSC agreement on 24 June 2009. With this agreement, Rotterdam Zoo committed to using FSC certified wood for all new construction and renovation projects. In addition, all paper used by the zoo meets FSC certification standards.
The use of FSC certified wood and paper is directly linked to nature conservation and environmental responsibility. Rotterdam Zoo actively communicates this commitment to its more than 1.5 million visitors through its operations and educational programmes. The FSC label guarantees that the wood and paper originate from responsibly managed forests.
In addition to seeking new sustainable materials for construction, Rotterdam Zoo gives existing materials a second life. A large part of the species signage throughout the zoo is made entirely from recycled plastic. The same applies to the decking around the Asia House, which is also constructed from durable recycled plastic.
Recycled materials were also used in the construction of the vulture enclosure. The poles that support the netting of the aviary are former tram poles that Rotterdam Zoo acquired from RET, the public transport company of Rotterdam.
A striking feature on the African savannah is the giraffe house, designed in the shape of an onion. Sustainable materials and solutions were used throughout the construction of this enclosure. The design incorporates materials such as untreated FSC certified wood and natural grasses like reed and pressed bamboo.
Natural elements including sunlight, wind and rain are fully utilised. The slanted roof, for example, is transparent and positioned to maximise exposure to sunlight, allowing solar heat to be used efficiently.
On cold days, the 400 cubic metre enclosure is only partially heated. Giraffes can choose warmer areas near specially designed heat retention walls. A wood chip boiler, which also heats the Crocodile River, supplies the required energy using wood chips instead of fossil fuels.
Rainwater collected from the roof of the giraffe house is reused to irrigate the tropical plants in the adjacent Crocodile River, further reducing environmental impact.
Rotterdam Zoo is continuously working to make construction as sustainable as possible. The goal is to achieve BREEAM certification within the next ten years. BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is an internationally recognised certification that assesses the sustainability of building projects.
Although BREEAM certification is not mandatory, it demonstrates a higher level of investment and commitment to sustainable construction than legally required.